Adjustable slicing apparatus

ABSTRACT

Adjustable slicing apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon and the like which compensate for deviation in thickness of slabs. Basically, this is accomplished by adjustably cutting the slabs on a bias using the improved apparatus which feeds and slices the bacon slabs. The apparatus includes an angularly displaceable cutting means, and means to control the angular displacement so that the slabs may be cut on a selected bias when advanced through the cutting plane.

[ Oct. 7, 1975 United States Patent [191 Wallace et al.

[ ADJUSTABLE SLICING APPARATUS 3X 2 W2 /4 N 00 Mooradian. Schill Hertwig83/422 X Pfenning et 83/422 X Inventors: Charles H. Wallace, Carrollton,Va.;

Hubert E. Tobey, Milltown, N.J.; John W. Hood, East Brunswick, N.J.; DeeL. Irvin, Moonachie, NJ.

International Telephone and [73] Assigneez Primary Examiner-Wil1ie G.Abercrombie Telegraph Corporation, Nutley, NJ Attorney, Agent, orFirm-John T. OHalloran;

Menotti J. Lombardi, Jr. Aug. 31, 1973 [22] Filed:

ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.1 393,520

Adjustable slicing apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon and the likewhich compensate for deviation in thickness of slabs. Basically, this isaccomplished by adjustably cutting the slabs on a bias using theimproved apparatus which feeds and slices the bacon slabs. The apparatusincludes an angularly displaceable cutting means, and means to controlthe angular displacement so that the slabs may be'cut on a selected biaswhen advanced through the cutting plane.

36 3 7m 7 W74 ooDln ;64 2M3 2 ;m 3m 5 ,4 .911 s 2 99 4 24 36 3 M 8B .8mm e Us L e WM te I cl UhF 1.1.1. 2 8 555 [[1 [56] References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 183,397 10/1876 Howard 83/473 X 1,578,653 3/1926Gallagher.......................... 83/473 X 17 Claims, 7 DrawingFigures Sheet 1 of4 US. Patent 0a. 7,1975

U.S. Patent 0m. 7,1975 Sheet 2 Of4 3,910,143

U... Patefi Oct. 7,1975 Sheet 3 of4 3,910,143

US. mm 0a. 7,1975 Sheet 4 of4 ADJUSTABLE SLICING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION In general, this invention relates to an improved slicingapparatus, and more particularly to an adjustable slicing apparatus forslicing slabs of bacon so that compensation may be made for dimensionalvariations in the thickness of a slab.

One of the major problems in the meat packing industry is to maximizethe return per ounce on animal carcasses, and of particular concern isthe slicing and scaling of bacon slabs. Always in the background of suchconsiderations, is the object of producing a slice of bacon in consumerpackages which are attractive and uniform regardless of the originaldimensions of the slab. In slicing of bacon, the dimensions of the slabsuch as height may vary considerably, the height (thickness of the slab)may vary anywhere from to 2 /2 inches. From the standpoint of percentagedeviation, variations in the width of the slabs are considerably lessappreciable, and grading ofa slab with grade A toward the higherthickness of slab to grade B toward the lower thickness of the slabaccounts for the primary grading considerations.

As can be imagined, grade B bacon has a considerably lcss market valuethan grade A bacon, primarily due to the variation in height orthickness of the slab which results in considerably less red meat perslice. Although numerous solutions have been suggested for providingclassifying equipment which can produce approximately the same number ofslices with varying thickness per slice, to accommodate the variationsin height of the slab to produce a uniform package wherein the weight isaccurately determined, there still remains hidden beneath the packagingsmall strips of bacon with little red meat.

Further, no one has attempted, prior to this invention, to provide ameans for upgrading the bacon slabs from class B to class A toaccomplish both the objectives of increased economic yield by upgrading,and thereby improving the sliced bacon produce for the consumer.

Accordingly, the invention proposes means for upgrading bacon slabs sothat the slices of bacon produced from variable thickness slabs areuniform standard slices. Basically, this is accomplished by adjustablycutting the slabs on a bias from the front perpendicular surface suchthat the height and thickness of an individual slice can be maintainedsubstantially uniform, while the thickness (height) of the slab isvariable over the grade A to grade B range. The use of this inventionallows all grade A slices to be produced and effects a substantialeconomic return in view of the present pricing scales of the grade A andgrade B bacon slabs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the invention toprovide means for accomplishing the improved slicing.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved slicing apparatuswhich compensates for deviation in thickness of slabs by adjustablypositioning the cutting means.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatuswhich permits angularly displacing the cutting means with respect to theproduct so that the product may be sliced on a bias.

Basically, the apparatus includes an angularly displaceable cuttingmeans for cutting the individual slabs of bacon on a bias, feeding meansadjustable with the angular displacement of the cutting means foradvancing the slab to the cutting point, and means to control theangular displacement of the cutting means from a perpendicular positionat the cutting point to an angular displaced position from theperpendicular plane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and features of theinvention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionof the preferred embodiments thereof, reference being made to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of apparatus according to the invention with thecutting means in an angularly displaced position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus showing the blade in avertical position;

FIG. 3 is a frontal view of certain portions of the apparatus showingthe cutting blade in the angular displaced position;

FIG. 4 is also a frontal view of the apparatus in the angular displacedposition with the cutting blade removed to show other features of theapparatus;

FIG. 5 is a partial rearward perspective view of FIG. 4 and showsadditional features of the apparatus;

FIG. 6 illustrates the drive means for the feed mechanism; and

FIG. 7 is a view of the drive taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings,FIG. 1 illustrates the improved slicing apparatus having the adjustablerotary slicing blade in an angularly displaced or tilt forward position.On a base frame 10 is a pivotally mounted and angularly displaceableslicer assembly 11 including a slicer drive means 12, a rotary slicerblade head assembly 13 and a hingedly attached blade cover 14. A counterbalance assembly 15 is fixedly attached to the slicer assembly by means16 and coupled to drive screw 17. The drive screw motor 118 is coupledby means 19 to the drive screw 17, and is fixedly mounted by plate 20 tobase 10 of the frame. Mounted to the base top 21 is the feed drive means22 for feeding the slabs of bacon in a continuous manner into the rotaryslicing blade. The details of the drive assembly are more particularlydescribed in connection with FIGS. 5-7.

The angular displacement of assembly 11 is accomplished by supplyingpower to leads 18', such that the rotation of motor drive 18 will causethe screw to turn and the screw follower mounted on the counter balanceassembly 15 will cause the angular displacement about the pivot point ofthe assembly 11. The motor drive 18 may be an AC or DC reversible motor,with or without braking means depending on the type jack screw utilizedas a drive screw 17. Normally, the jack screw utilized will retain theposition at which the motor stops without need of a brake on the motordue to the load, and the turning on and off of the motor is sufficientto accurately position the assembly 11 to the desired angulardisplacement from the vertical position.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the slicing apparatus is shown in the standardvertical position for perpendicularly cutting the slabs of bacon, ascompared to FIG. I for cutting the slabs on a bias. A rotary slicingblade 23 with blade edge 23a is positioned with respect to a cuttingedge or anvil 24 to pass through the cutting plane of the apparatus. Theforemost point of the cutting edge 24 is maintained at approximately0.016 inch (or the desired slice thickness) behind the rearward surfaceof blade edge 23a for all positions of angular displacement of the bladefrom the vertical position illustrated in FIG. 2 to the maximum angulardisplaced position. The apparatus illustrated is capable of angulardisplacement from the vertical of FIG. 2 of at least 50. In other words,assuming a zero vertical position in FIG. 2, the rotary slicing blade 23may be angularly displaced forward (as shown in FIG. 1) at least 50 bythe arrangement of the apparatus as hereinafter described.

The slicing drive motor 25 is mounted by mounting means 26 and forms anintegral part of the tiltable assembly. The motor 25 is angularlydisplaceable with the rotating slicing blade and drives the bladethrough pulley coupling means, illustrated in FIG. 1, so that the bladerotates at approximately 1200 rpm. Additionally illustrated in FIG. 2 isthe rear wall 27 forming the back surface of the blade head assembly,and blade heating elements 28 which keep the blade edge relatively warmsince the bacon slabs are normally sliced in a semifrozen conditionaccording to standard practices and requirements. The rotary blade cover29 is positioned to cover the attaching elements of the blade. The pivotstuds 30'form the axis about which the blade assembly is angularlydisplaced.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 3, the apparatus of FIG. 2 is shownin a frontal view with the rotary slicing blade angularly displacedforward or tilted toward the viewer. It should be noted that the bladecover 14 has been removed in both FIGS. 2 and 3 for simplification ofthe drawing. Mounted to the frame base top 21 are the upstanding framebase supports 31 in which the pivot studs 30 are positioned andretained. The heating element connected to power through a hole 37 inwall 27 has also been removed in FIG. 3 for simplicity, and toillustrate the fact that it is not necessary in connection with thisimproved apparatus if not required because of temperature considerationsof the slab to be sliced. The slicer assembly 11 contains pivot members32 through which the studs 30 pass through and are retained therein in amanner which permits displacement of the blade assembly 11 asillustrated. The pivot sup port members 32, the blade assembly rear wall27, the slicer drive motor 25 and mounting means 26 are all movableabout the studs 30, and the rearward surface of blade edge 23a isretained at a predetermined distance from the foremost point of thecutting edge 24. Adjustment of the foremost point of the cutting edge 24can be made by means of screws 33 which retain the edge in the desiredposition by attachment to members 34 of the base frame top 21.Upstanding guides 35 are positioned and fixed to the cutting edge toretain the bacon slabs in the proper lateral position within the cuttingzone. A lower tractor feed is positioned with the base, and U-shapedbearing mounts 36 are positioned on the wall for the hold-down tractorassembly illustrated and described in connection with subsequentfigures.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the figure is similar to that of FIG. 3 withthe exception that the cover, heating element, and the hold-down tractorassembly is illustrated,

and the rotary blade has been removed. In addition, cover 14 as shown ishingedly attached by means 41 to upstanding wall 27. The powerconnecting means 42 is shown mounted to the blade wall 27 for supplyingpower to the heating elements. The blade shaft and mounting 43 isillustrated with the blade 23 and attachment cover 29 removed. Attachedto counter balance assembly 15 is screw follower 44 which, according tothe direction of rotation of screw 17, moves in the direction indicatedby arrow 45 to permit movement of the slicer assembly about the axisformed by pivot studs 30. Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is a pair ofhold-down tractor assemblies 46 rotatably mounted and driven in asimilar manner to tractor feed 40, as more specifically described inconnection with FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. The hold-down tractor assembly 46comprises two parallel tracks which are rotatably mounted about aforward mounting shaft assembly 47 which is slidably mounted in theU-shaped bearing mounts 36. Attached and angularly positioned arepressure fingers 48 which retain the bacon slabs firmly on the cuttingedge 24 and be tween the guides 36. The forward mounting shaftarrangement 47 is slidably mounted in the U-shaped bearing mounts 36 toenable movement of the tractor assembly 46 forward with the rotatingblade, so that the distance between the hold-down tractor and pressurefingers, and the rotating blade remain constant, regardless of theangular position of the blade. If some means is not permitted formovement of the hold-down tractor assembly with the rotating blade,slippage will occur and the desired bias slicing of the bacon slabscannot be effectively controlled.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a partial perspective rearward view of FIG. 4is illustrated for purposes of showing the tractor arrangement and drivemeans, and together with FIGS. 6 and 7, illustrate a preferred means foraccomplishing the feeder drive for the bacon slabs in all the angulardisplaced blade positions. The lower tractor feed 40 is rotatablymounted and driven about shaft means 48 supported in frame 49 in basemember 10. The lower tractor feed comprises a multiplicity of paralleltransverse cleat elements 50, rotatably mounted about drive sprocketsfixedly mounted to forward shaft means 48 and rearward means not shown.In a similar manner, the hold-down tractor assembly 46 comprising thetwo parallel tracks, each having a plurality of parallel transversecleat elements 51 rotatably mounted about drive sprockets not shown. Thedrive sprockets being fixedly and rotatably mounted to the forwardmounting shaft 47 and rearward mounting and drive shaft 52. Illustratedin FIG. 5 is the endless sprocket chain 53 on which is attached thetransverse cleat elements 51. The chain 53 is engaged by the sprocketwheels mounted on shafts 52 and 47. The endless sprocket chainassemblies on which the transverse cleat elements are attached are thesame for both the hold-down tractor assembly and the lower tractor feedassembly. The forward mounting shaft 47 is retained and slidably mountedin U-shaped bearing mounts 36, the shaft is shown in the tilt forwardposition. A rigid beam member 54 and beam extension 55 supports theforward shaft member 47 and maintains the distance between the rearwarddrive shaft means 52 and forward shaft 57 which is additionallysupported by the extension 56 engaging the slotted portion of theextension 55. This rigid arrangement permits the movement of thehold-down tractor assembly forward to the tilt forward position andrearward to the vertical position in a uniform manner.

The frame side wall guide 57 contains a cut out portion 58 permittingthe slidable movement of the holddown tractor assembly 46 in thedirection of arrows 59, while the blade assembly moves through anangular arc of at least 50 about the pivot point formed by the studs 30.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 6 and 7, the feed drive arrangementin connection with the angular displacement of the rotary blade assemblywill be described. A hydraulic motor 60 connected in a standard mannerby the input-output connections illustrated, to a hydraulic pump, ismounted by means 61 to the base top 21. One type of hydraulic motorwhich would be suitable for a drive of the type illustrated anddescribed would be a hydraulic motor number -37816 (the Albright-NellCompany). The hydraulic fluid source cou pled to the hydraulic motorwould be standardand well known in the art and does not form a part ofthe invention. The hydraulic motor 60 is connected by a flexiblecoupling 62 to a gear reduction 63 which is also mounted to top basemember 21. The Boston gear speed reducer, type number 32lATl5- I3 forexample, is coupled by another flexible coupling 64 to the pivot geardrive assembly 65 by shaft 66. Shaft 66 is retatably mounted in supportbars 67,68. Fixedly mounted on shaft 66 is drive gear 69 and the lowertractor conveyor drive sprocket wheel 70. The lower driven sprocket 70engages the lower sprocket chain link 71 and drives sprocket wheel 72mounted on shaft means 48 of the lower tractor feed 40. Pivot gear 73meshes with gear 69 and is mounted on shaft 74. Mounting shaft 74 arepivot supports 75,76 which are pivotably mounted about shaft 66. Topplate 77 connects pivot support 75,76, and additionally mounted on shaft74 is the hold-down conveyor drive sprocket wheel 78. Drive sprocket 78engages the hold-down sprocket chain 79 and imparts motion to thehold-down tractor assembly 46 through drive sprocket" wheel 80 mountedto drive shaft means 52. The adjustable tension sprocket wheel 81engages sprocket chain 72.

A yoke member 82 connects the pivot gear assembly 65 and the drive shaftassembly 52 as illustrated. In addition, a tension spring 83 coupled tothe top plate 77 and a spring support arm 84 by means 85 to maintain apredetermined amount of tension and insure proper mesh between pivotgear 73 and drive gear 69 during all movement of the hold-down tractorassembly. The pivot gear assembly arrangement enables pivot gear 73 tomove about the circumference of drive gear 69 to enable the holddowntractor assembly 46 to be displaced in the direction of arrows 59 andadjust with the tilt of the rotary slicing blade from a vertical firstposition as illustrated in FIG. 2 to an angularly displaced or tiltforward position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, while retaining thepredetermined distance between the rotating blade hold-down tractorassembly and the cutting blade.

While we have described above the principles of our invention inconnection with specific apparatus, it is to be clearly understood thatthis description is made only by way of example and not as a limitationto the scope of our invention as set forth in the objects thereof and inthe accompanying claims.

We claim:

1. Slicing apparatus comprising in combination:

a support frame and cutting anvil;

a rotating slicer blade assembly pivotally mounted on said frame;

means coupled to the blade assembly for angularly displacing said bladeassembly forwardly of said cutting anvil from a first cutting positionto a second cutting position; and

means for feeding a slab of material to be sliced across said anvil andinto the path of the rotating blade of said assembly in the secondcutting position.

2. A machine for slicing a slab of bacon or the like,

comprising the combination of:

rotary cutter means displaceably mounted on a support means;

feeder means to advance said slab across a cutting anvil toward thecutting plane of said rotary cutter means; and

means connected to said cutter means for angularly displacing saidcutter means from one position in which the cutting plane isperpendicular to said slab, to another position angularly displacedforwardly from the perpendicular plane and in which said slab is cut ona bias.

3. The machine combination of claim 2 wherein said other position isdetermined by the height dimension of said slab, and said angulardisplacing means includes means for retaining said cutter means in saidother position during slicing of said slab.

4. Apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon or the like comprising incombination:

a support frame;

a slicer assembly pivotally mounted on said frame,

and a rotary slicing blade positioned in said assembly for cutting slabsconveyed through the cutting path of said blade;

means for angularly displacing said assembly and retaining the assemblyin a selected position which permits slicing of the slabson a bias inthe selected position;

means for advancing said slabs through the path of said blade in theangular displaced and selected position;

means for driving said advancing means;

a cutting anvil mounted on-said frame; and

guide means mounted on said cutting anvil through which said slab ismoved forward into the path of said cutting blade. v

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the distance between the foremostpoint of said cutting anvil and the cutting edge of said blade issubstantially constant for at least 50 of angular displacement from thevertical position of said blade.

6. Apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon or the comprising incombination:

a support frame;

a slicer assembly pivotally mounted on said frame,

and a rotary slicing blade positioned in said assembly for cutting slabsconveyed through the cutting path of said blade;

a slicer drive means mounted on said slicer assembly;

means coupling said drive means to said rotary blade;

means for angularly displacing said assembly and retaining the assemblyin a selected position which permits slicing of the slabs on a bias inthe selected position;

like

means for advancing said slabs through the path of said blade in theangular displaced and selected position; and

means for driving said advancing means.

7. Apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon or the like comprising incombination:

, a support frame; 1 a slicer assembly pivotally mounted on said frame,

and a rotary slicing blade positioned in said assembly for cutting slabsconveyed through the cutting path of said blade; means for angularlydisplacing said assembly and retaining the assembly in a selectedposition which permits slicing of the slabs on a bias in the selectedposition; means for advancing said slabs through the path of said bladein the angular displaced and selected position; means for driving saidadvancing means; and said angular displacing means includes a counterbalance assembly coupled to said slicer assembly,

a motor drive means, and

coupling means connecting said motor drive means to said counterbalance, whereby the motor drive means controls the position of saidslicer assembly through positioning of said counter balance assembly.

8. Apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon or the like comprising incombination:

a support frame;

a slicer assembly pivotally mounted on said frame,

and a rotary slicing blade positioned in said assembly for cutting slabsconveyed through the cutting path of said blade;

means for angularly displacing said assembly and retaining the assemblyin a selected position which permits slicing of the slabs on a bias inthe selected position;

means for advancing said slabs through the path of said blade in theangular displaced and selected position including a pair of tractorfeeds; and

means for driving said advancing means including means for driving saidtractor feeds so that said slabs are moved forward between said pair ina uniform manner into the cutting path of said blade.

9. Apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon or the like comprising incombination:

a support frame;

a slicer assembly pivotally mounted on said frame,

and a rotary slicing blade positioned in said assembly for cutting slabsconveyed through the cutting path of said blade;

means for angularly displacing said assembly and retaining the assemblyin a selected position which permits slicing of the slabs on a bias inthe selected position;

means for advancing said slabs through the path of said blade in theangular displaced and selected position including a lower tractor feed;

a hold-down tractor feed means; and

means for driving said advancing means including means for driving saidfeed and feed means so that the slabs are conveyed between said feed andfeed means into the cutting path of said blade.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said hold-down tractor feed meansincludes a pair of tractor means rotatably mounted about a forward andrearward shaft, one of which is driven; and

means for rigidly connecting said forward and rearward shafts.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said forward shaft is slidablymounted in said slicer assembly.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said forward shaft includespressure finger means for applying pressure on said slab to facilitatethe cutting by said rotating blade.

13. Apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon or the like comprising incombination:

a support frame;

a slicer assembly pivotally mounted on said frame,

and a rotary slicing blade positioned in said assembly for cutting slabsconveyed through the cutting path of said blade;

means for angularly displacing said assembly and retaining the assemblyin a selected position which permits slicing of the slabs on a bias inthe selected position;

means for advancing said slabs through the path of said blade in theangular displaced and selected position;

means for driving said advancing means; and

said means for driving include a driven pivotal gear assembly, and meanscoupling said gear assembly to said advanc ing means.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 including hydraulic motor means coupled bygear and coupling means to said pivotal assembly.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 including in said pivotal gear assembly adriven gear and a pivotal gear movable on the cir cumference of saiddriven gear in accordance with the displacement of said slicer assembly.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 including means for maintaining apredetermined tension on said pivotal gear.

17. Apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon comprising in combination:

a support frame;

a slicer assembly pivotally mounted on said frame,

and a rotary slicing blade positioned in said assembly for cutting slabsconveyed through the cutting path of said blade;

means for angularly displacing said assembly and retaining the assemblyin a position which permits slicing of slabs on a predetermined bias;

means for advancing said slabs through the path of said blade in theangular displaced position;

means for driving said advancing means in the angular displacedposition;

said slicer assembly including a slicer drive means mounted on saidslicer assembly, and means coupling said drive means to said rotaryblade,

said angular displacing means includes a counter balance assemblycoupled to said slicer assembly, a motor drive means, and

coupling means connecting said motor drive means to said counterbalance, whereby the motor drive means positions said slicer assembly,said means for advancing including a lower tractor feed, and a hold-downtractor feed means, said hold-down tractor feed means includes a pair oftractor means rotatably mounted about a

1. Slicing apparatus comprising in combination: a support frame andcutting anvil; a rotating slicer blade assembly pivotally mounted onsaid frame; means coupled to the blade assembly for angularly displacingsaid blade assembly forwardly of said cutting anvil from a first cuttingposition to a second cutting position; and means for feeding a slab ofmaterial to be sliced across said anvil and into the path of therotating blade of said assembly in the second cutting position.
 2. Amachine for slicing a slab of bacon or the like, comprising thecombination of: rotary cutter means displaceably mounted on a supportmeans; feeder means to advance said slab across a cutting anvil towardthe cutting plane of said rotary cutter means; and means connected tosaid cutter means for angularly displacing said cutter means from oneposition in which the cutting plane is perpendicular to said slab, toanother position angularly displaced forwardly from the perpendicularplane and in which said slab is cut on a bias.
 3. The machinecombination of claim 2 wherein said other position is determined by theheight dimension of said slab, and said angular displacing meansincludes means for retaining said cutter means in said other positionduring slicing of said slab.
 4. Apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon orthe like comprising in combination: a support frame; a slicer assemblypivotally mounted on said frame, and a rotary slicing blade positionedin said assembly for cutting slabs conveyed through the cutting path ofsaid blade; means for angularly displacing said assembly and retainingthe assembly in a selected position which permits slicing of the slabson a Bias in the selected position; means for advancing said slabsthrough the path of said blade in the angular displaced and selectedposition; means for driving said advancing means; a cutting anvilmounted on said frame; and guide means mounted on said cutting anvilthrough which said slab is moved forward into the path of said cuttingblade.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the distance between theforemost point of said cutting anvil and the cutting edge of said bladeis substantially constant for at least 50* of angular displacement fromthe vertical position of said blade.
 6. Apparatus for slicing slabs ofbacon or the like comprising in combination: a support frame; a slicerassembly pivotally mounted on said frame, and a rotary slicing bladepositioned in said assembly for cutting slabs conveyed through thecutting path of said blade; a slicer drive means mounted on said slicerassembly; means coupling said drive means to said rotary blade; meansfor angularly displacing said assembly and retaining the assembly in aselected position which permits slicing of the slabs on a bias in theselected position; means for advancing said slabs through the path ofsaid blade in the angular displaced and selected position; and means fordriving said advancing means.
 7. Apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon orthe like comprising in combination: a support frame; a slicer assemblypivotally mounted on said frame, and a rotary slicing blade positionedin said assembly for cutting slabs conveyed through the cutting path ofsaid blade; means for angularly displacing said assembly and retainingthe assembly in a selected position which permits slicing of the slabson a bias in the selected position; means for advancing said slabsthrough the path of said blade in the angular displaced and selectedposition; means for driving said advancing means; and said angulardisplacing means includes a counter balance assembly coupled to saidslicer assembly, a motor drive means, and coupling means connecting saidmotor drive means to said counter balance, whereby the motor drive meanscontrols the position of said slicer assembly through positioning ofsaid counter balance assembly.
 8. Apparatus for slicing slabs of baconor the like comprising in combination: a support frame; a slicerassembly pivotally mounted on said frame, and a rotary slicing bladepositioned in said assembly for cutting slabs conveyed through thecutting path of said blade; means for angularly displacing said assemblyand retaining the assembly in a selected position which permits slicingof the slabs on a bias in the selected position; means for advancingsaid slabs through the path of said blade in the angular displaced andselected position including a pair of tractor feeds; and means fordriving said advancing means including means for driving said tractorfeeds so that said slabs are moved forward between said pair in auniform manner into the cutting path of said blade.
 9. Apparatus forslicing slabs of bacon or the like comprising in combination: a supportframe; a slicer assembly pivotally mounted on said frame, and a rotaryslicing blade positioned in said assembly for cutting slabs conveyedthrough the cutting path of said blade; means for angularly displacingsaid assembly and retaining the assembly in a selected position whichpermits slicing of the slabs on a bias in the selected position; meansfor advancing said slabs through the path of said blade in the angulardisplaced and selected position including a lower tractor feed; ahold-down tractor feed means; and means for driving said advancing meansincluding means for driving said feed and feed means so that the slabsare conveyed between said feed and feed means into the cutting path ofsaid blade.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said hold-dowN tractorfeed means includes a pair of tractor means rotatably mounted about aforward and rearward shaft, one of which is driven; and means forrigidly connecting said forward and rearward shafts.
 11. The apparatusof claim 10 wherein said forward shaft is slidably mounted in saidslicer assembly.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said forwardshaft includes pressure finger means for applying pressure on said slabto facilitate the cutting by said rotating blade.
 13. Apparatus forslicing slabs of bacon or the like comprising in combination: a supportframe; a slicer assembly pivotally mounted on said frame, and a rotaryslicing blade positioned in said assembly for cutting slabs conveyedthrough the cutting path of said blade; means for angularly displacingsaid assembly and retaining the assembly in a selected position whichpermits slicing of the slabs on a bias in the selected position; meansfor advancing said slabs through the path of said blade in the angulardisplaced and selected position; means for driving said advancing means;and said means for driving include a driven pivotal gear assembly, andmeans coupling said gear assembly to said advancing means.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13 including hydraulic motor means coupled by gearand coupling means to said pivotal assembly.
 15. The apparatus of claim13 including in said pivotal gear assembly a driven gear and a pivotalgear movable on the circumference of said driven gear in accordance withthe displacement of said slicer assembly.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15including means for maintaining a predetermined tension on said pivotalgear.
 17. Apparatus for slicing slabs of bacon comprising incombination: a support frame; a slicer assembly pivotally mounted onsaid frame, and a rotary slicing blade positioned in said assembly forcutting slabs conveyed through the cutting path of said blade; means forangularly displacing said assembly and retaining the assembly in aposition which permits slicing of slabs on a predetermined bias; meansfor advancing said slabs through the path of said blade in the angulardisplaced position; means for driving said advancing means in theangular displaced position; said slicer assembly including a slicerdrive means mounted on said slicer assembly, and means coupling saiddrive means to said rotary blade, said angular displacing means includesa counter balance assembly coupled to said slicer assembly, a motordrive means, and coupling means connecting said motor drive means tosaid counter balance, whereby the motor drive means positions saidslicer assembly, said means for advancing including a lower tractorfeed, and a hold-down tractor feed means, said hold-down tractor feedmeans includes a pair of tractor means rotatably mounted about a forwardand rearward shaft, one of which is driven, and said means for drivinginclude a driven pivotal gear assembly, and means coupling said gearassembly to said advancing means.